Top 5 Best Note-Taking Apps (2024)

Notetaking is a personal process, and everyone takes a unique approach. Some people doodle or sketch, others use colored inks, and some prefer typing or recording audio. Regardless of your preference, taking quality notes is crucial for organizing your thoughts and retaining important information.

Whether you're a student juggling assignments, an office worker managing projects, or simply someone who loves to jot down ideas, finding the right note-taking app can be a game-changer.

But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to know which one to choose. That's where we come in.

At STPT, our print experts work with digital and printer applications every day, and we're here to help you find the best solutions. We've been providing print solutions to various industries for years, and we understand the importance of efficient document management.

In this blog, we’ll cut through the noise and help you find the best note-taking app for your needs. We’ve chosen five categories:

1. Best for iPad
2. Best for Windows
3. Best for handwritten notes
4. Best for free
5. Best for printer

To make this list, we considered affordability, ease of use, and features to bring you the top contenders. By the end of this article, you'll have a better idea of which note-taking app is best for you.

Best for iPad:GoodNotes 6

GoodNotes 6 is an iPad user's dream. It turns your iPad into a digital notebook, allowing you to write and sketch as naturally as on paper. With features like handwriting recognition, the ability to search your notes, and seamless syncing with iCloud, it's no wonder GoodNotes 6 is a favorite among iPad users. The app even features audio recording and uses AI to transform handwritten notes into text. Plus, the user interface is neat and you can easily search for your documents by typing or handwriting in the search bar.

Best For:

Students and professionals who use their iPads as their primary note-taking device.

Pros:

• Intuitive interface with realistic handwriting experience.
• Collaborative editing
• Great for annotating PDFs.

Cons:

• For Android users, the only compatible device is the Samsung tablet.
• Some advanced features require a paid subscription.

Price:

Keeping student and teacher budgets in mind, GoodNotes 6 is well-priced for consumers. The free version supports 3 notebooks, and the premium version of the GoodNotes 6 app is $9.99 per year.

Best for Windows: Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft OneNote is a powerhouse for Windows users, whether you use a phone, laptop, PC, or a Surface Pro tablet. It integrates smoothly with the Microsoft Office suite, making it easy to import and export documents. This app is particularly great for free-form note taking and it acts as a canvas where you can easily get your ideas down. OneNote uses “pages” you can organize into “sections” within larger “notebooks” so finding your notes is incredibly easy.

OneNote supports a variety of input types, including typed text, handwriting, images, and video. With its comprehensive set of features, it's a great all-rounder app for all your note-taking needs.

Best For:

Windows users who are deeply integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem.

Pros:

• Great cross-platform experience
• Excellent collaboration features.
• Versatile note organization.

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming for new users due to its many features.
• Limited offline functionality.

Price:

Microsoft OneNote is free to use and download. However, you can buy premium OneNote features with a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Best for Handwritten Notes: INKredible

For those who love the feel of handwriting, INKredible offers a simple and effective note-taking experience. You can use a stylus or even your fingers. It focuses on providing a smooth writing experience with minimal distractions.

For example, the app features a technology called palm rejection, which makes it harder for stylus users to accidentally draw with their palm instead of their stylus. This is great for tablet users who often rest their hands on their screen as they draw or take notes. The app's ink engine is designed to make writing feel as natural as possible.

Best For:

Users who prefer handwriting their notes on digital devices.

Pros:

• Extremely natural writing experience.
• Simple, distraction-free interface.
• No intrusive ads.

Cons:

• Limited to handwritten notes, lacking multimedia support.
• Fewer organization options compared to other apps.

Price:

There is a free version available, but you can also get the pro version for $10.99.

Best Free Notes App: Zoho Notebook

If you’re looking for an alternative to Evernote, then look no further than Zoho Notebook. The app promotes itself as such by offering a tool that transfers notes from Evernote. It offers a beautiful, card-style interface and supports various note types, including text, audio, and checklists. Notes can be organized into notebooks and synced across devices without any cost. Plus, it also offers collaboration with other Zoho Notebook users. You can even go back to older versions of your notes if you so choose.

Zoho Notebook stands out as a feature-rich, free note-taking app that fits perfectly into the Zoho Suite of products.

Best For:

Budget-conscious users who need a versatile note-taking solution.

Pros:

• Offers note linking as a free feature
• Supports a wide range of note formats.
• Attractive and intuitive design.

Cons:

• Lacks advanced features found in free versions of other apps.
• Some users report occasional syncing issues.

Price:

Zoho Notebook has a free version called “Notebook Essential.” You can upgrade to the pro version for $1.99 a month.

Best Printer Notes App: Xerox Note Converter

Xerox Note Converter is designed to bridge the gap between digital and physical notes. It allows you to convert handwritten notes into digital text, which can then be printed or shared. This app is perfect for those who need to frequently print their notes or convert them into editable documents.

Best For:

Professionals and Xerox printer users who need to print or convert handwritten notes regularly.

Pros:

• Excellent handwriting recognition.
• Seamless integration with Xerox printers.
• Supports multiple export formats.

Cons:

• Best suited for users with Xerox printers.
• Limited to note conversion and printing features.

Price:

You can install the Xerox Note Converter app on an unlimited number of devices. The app charges per scanned document:

• 750 Scan pages for $29
• 1,500 Scan pages for $54
• 3200 Scan pages for $108

For a quick guide on how to use this app, check out our Xerox Note Converter tutorial.

If you want to know about other printer apps, read our blog on the Top 5 Printer Productivity Apps in the Xerox App Gallery.

Noteworthy Mentions

• Google Keep: Great for users within the Google ecosystem, offering quick and simple note-taking.
• Obsidian: Ideal for those who need a powerful tool for creating and managing a knowledge base.
• Joplin: An open-source option for users who prioritize privacy and markdown support. 
• Apple Notes: Perfect for those who need a straightforward, no-frills note-taking app within the Apple ecosystem.
• Samsung Notes: Keep your notes organized and easily searchable with this app for Android users.

Choosing the Right App for You

The best note-taking app depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re an iPad user, GoodNotes 6 offers an unparalleled experience. Windows users, especially those with Surface Pro devices, will find OneNote incredibly useful. For handwritten notes, INKredible delivers simplicity and a natural feel. Zoho Notebook is a fantastic free option for versatile note-taking, and Xerox Note Converter is indispensable for those who frequently print their notes.

Make sure that the notes app you choose is compatible with all your devices. The free versions of the apps we listed in this blog are great. However, if you have more complex files and want more advanced features, you can also opt for premium versions.

Consider whether you wish to store your notes long-term and look for exporting options if you want to take them with you to another platform.

Managing Your Documents

Taking digital notes is a fantastic way to stay organized, but managing those notes efficiently across your devices and in physical form can be a challenge. If you deal with a high volume of documents and need a better way to manage your information, consider document and print management software.

Document management software is designed to seamlessly integrate with your workflow. It allows you to organize, store, and print your notes easily. Print management software is geared towards helping you control printing costs and output.

At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT), we partner with industry-leading software providers like Y-Soft SafeQ and DocuShare to offer you seamless integration, robust organization, and efficient printing capabilities.

Discover how our advanced document and print management solutions can streamline your workflow, boost productivity, and reduce cost. Explore our informative blog on Y-Soft SafeQ to understand more about print management software by clicking on the image below.

Contact us for more information on DocuShare or Y-Soft and find out if these solutions are right for you.